Keep big brother out of my casino

No, I'm not talking about the IRS' over-scrutinization of conservative political groups. This is worse, much worse.

A story by our sister publication, The Cincinnati Enquirer, reports Ohio's casinos will begin sending camera images of every customer to a new statewide database, if a provision in the Senate's budget becomes law.

This is an outrage to anyone who has doubled down on a hand of poker or put $10 on 0/00 at the roulette table.

The story notes that casinos are filled with cameras; Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati has more than 1,000.

This provision would let Ohio gather those cameras' images and save them for five years.

Sen. Bill Coley, R-Liberty Township and the sponsor of the amendment, said it doesn't call for additional surveillance at a time when governmental information-gathering tactics are drawing national criticism.

Baloney, Mr. Coley. Pure baloney.

This is yet another example of the government, be it state or federal, sticking its nose into private business and, more importantly, into my business.

Yes, I gamble. I have been known to frequent a casino or a race track every once in a while. Last time I checked that's legal as I am well above the 21-year-old limit.

Want to know the government's rationale? It's a real doozy.

Law enforcement would be able to use the database of images to fight money laundering more effectively, he said. Money launderers use casinos to hide the source of illicitly acquired money.

Money laundering. Yep, that happens a lot.

I am not saying money laundering isn't a problem. But yet again, we are going to punish 98 percent of the people for the 2 percent who do illicit things.

It's the overreaching Patriot Act, except this time it hits close to home - the casino.

Jennifer Kulczycki, spokeswoman for Rock Gaming, Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati's parent company, said the casino uses cameras to ensure the integrity and security of its gaming environment.

I'm fine with the casinos using the cameras to protect their business. They have that right. Banks, schools, everybody has cameras these days.

So what's next?

A letter from Uncle Sam saying I spent too much time at the blackjack table and therefore am a threat to my own security?

Or, maybe it'll be a call from the IRS making sure I completed a W-2G form?

Coley's budget amendment would make it legal for the Casino Control Commission or the attorney general to set rules related to the cameras, but all gambling establishments would have to follow the rule.

Under the amendment, casinos, video lottery terminals and Internet sweepstakes parlors would have to use cameras to capture the faces of every customer who redeems earnings for cash.

I hope the two-dollar Sallys who play the VLTs on Saturday night get their hair done before going to the casinos so they'll look good on camera.

The new law would send a message to criminals who try to use casinos to launder money, Coley said: "In Ohio, we're watching. Go to another state. We don't want you here."

OK, Mr. Coley, you got it.

Should this ridiculous piece of legislation pass (and I'm betting 3:1 that it won't), I'll be playing my next game of chance in my home state of West Virginia.